I’m Curious: What Was the First Book That . . .

I am just having one of those weeks — seriously, it’s like my week is manifestation of Murphy’s Law, and the idea of me writing something new is laughable. So here’s a variation of a post I did a year ago — we’ve got some new regulars in the comments, and I’d like to hear what you all say.

Anyway. . .

This was asked awhile ago on some Facebook group I belong to and I thought the answers were interesting enough, I’d ask you:

If you can remember, what was the first book that destroyed you? (that is, which book left you an emotional wreck?)

For me, it was either: Where the Red Fern Grows (which I read most of several times, and all of a couple of times); The High King by Lloyd Alexander between the deaths and goodbyes, I still can’t do it dry-eyed; or Bridge to Terabithia — I can’t tell you anything about the plot (there were 2 kids, 1 girl and 1 boy, right?), the characters or anything, and I read it 2-4 times — all I can remember is emotional devastation.

Looking forward to hearing from you. Share the emotional scars we all know you have. 🙂

Thankfully, I watched Bridge to Terebithia before reading the book, but even still, I just wasn’t ready for it.

As for others, nothing really sticks out. I know there have been books where I’ve felt gutted afterwards, but I’d have to do research to find out what they were. I tend to lightly “forget” unpleasant things like that 🙂

The earliest book induced tears I can remember happened with a children’s book that I cannot remember the title of (and that is unlikely to ever have been translated to English). It was about a teddy that was well-loved until it became a bit tatty and then was left behind in the woods, where it had to fend for itself. (Spoiler: the parents did come back to look for it, found it, and repaired its lost buttons and stitching).